Two NDFB-S rebels held in Kokrajhar

GUWAHATI: Two wanted cadres of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (Songbijit), who were allegedly involved in the massacre on Adivasi people in Kokrajhar district in December, were arrested on Thursday night. Four of their associates were also arrested and a huge cache of arms were seized in the operation.
The state police, along with the Army and other paramilitary forces, have beefed up their operation against the outfit following the massacre.
Two weeks ago, the Army had recovered eight motorcycles from a makeshift of the NDFB-S in Kokrajhar. The bikes are believed to have been used by the militants in the attack.
“NDFB-S Kokrajhar’s second-in-command Mithinga alias Milon Mushahary and Khuren alias Swmkhwr and their four associates were arrested from Serfunguri in Kokrajhar district last night,” said IGP LR Bishnoi.
Mithinga was earlier seen in a video footage along with NDFB(S) deputy commander-in-chief G Bidai in August last year after the outfit claimed credit for killing Priya Basumatary, a teenager, in Chirang district for being a ‘police informer’.
Bidai is said to be the main perpetrator of the attack on Adivasi people. He is absconding.
State police director general Khagen Sarma said Mithinga and Khuren were directly involved in the attack at Pakriguri in Kokrajhar on December 23.
“The duo had led the attack on the villagers at Pakhriguri killing five persons, including two children,” the police chief said.
The militants led police to the forest areas in Thaisuguri where they had buried a huge cache of weapons, explosives, medicines and army uniforms, Bishnoi said.
Sources said that several NDFB-S militants have buried their weapons and are hiding as civilians in remote areas after the security forces beefed up their operation.